dress code

American  

noun

1. a set of rules specifying the garb or type of clothing to be worn by a group or by people under specific circumstances.

   a military dress code; The restaurant's dress code requires men to wear jackets and ties at dinner.

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dress code British  

noun

1. a set of rules or guidelines regarding the manner of dress acceptable in an office, restaurant, etc

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Example Sentences

Though most men arrived in dark suits befitting the “business formal” dress code, a handful appeared to have wandered in from golf.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

And while the club doesn’t have a formal dress code for spectators, Wimbledon is the rare sporting event where it’s not uncommon to see men in neckties and women in floral dresses.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

In a statement to The Times, Komrosky said he thought the photo of the polo players was “inappropriate and their attire didn’t align with the district’s dress code administrative regulation.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

"They will talk about her choices, her morality, her dress code," she says, explaining that this increases the harm caused to women and discourages victims from coming forward.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

“Our dress code is to wear whatever makes us happiest. We’re a free-spirited bunch.”

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston